Author: Eleanor Updale
# of pages: 233
Plot Summary:
Montmorency has always lived a life of crime, particularly theft, in London, 1875. His riches are gained through stealing others' possessions and selling them for a profit. However, one day, he falls through a glass roof while attempting to escape from the police - and he is imprisoned.
While in prison, his wounds are healed by Doctor Farcett, and he is later used as a model for Farcett's medical seminars. Their acquaintance soon leads him to discover a fact that will be essential for the tasks he will undertake once he is out of prison: London has a new, underground sewage system. Montmorency fully uses the sewers to his advantage, committing thefts and quickly escaping to the place of murky waters where no one dares to go.
In the meantime, he decides to spend his wealth on a new lifestyle as a gentleman. But leading his double life and lying to everyone he meets, when will his secret be revealed?
Opinion:
I believe that Montmorency: Thief? Liar? Gentleman? was simply a fantastic work of fiction. Eleanor Updale's story is original - I found the plot creative, and there were almost no similarities to any other book I have ever read. It has elements that will captivate readers of many different tastes, whether you enjoy the thrilling action of a criminal at work, or imagining a luxurious lifestyle from more than a century ago.
She also bases her story on accurate historical facts from the time period and setting, and manages to incorporate those facts in a manner that makes the situation seem so real, as though Montmorency truly existed.
Overall, this remains one of my favourite novels, because of Updale's brilliant storytelling.
Main themes and subjects:
- Crime (specifically theft)
- 19th-century London
- Social classes
- Leading a double life only means lying to everyone you meet
Genre: Historical fiction
Rating: 5/5
Book review by Fiona T.
* 21 hours so far
* Can be published in the Teen Newsletter
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